March 23, 2012 -- Penny Press

INSIDE

Vice Adm. Fox Visits Lincoln

4 8 Lincoln Visits Dubai VFA 2 Earns Award

10 FROM THE EDITOR

Are we there yet? A few months into any deployment, it’s natural for Sailors to start wondering how much longer they’ll be at sea. Even though we’re settled into our routines by now, being at work 24/7 doesn’t get any less draining over time. But when keeping your head in the game is a matter of life and death, it’s essential to make the most of one’s time, to fight the inclination to grow complacent and to remain vigilant and focused. After all, we have to see this thing through. Luckily, we’re still the world’s finest warship, and our Sailors are still the best on the high seas. For instance, guess what our juniormost ranks did earlier this month? They got together and elected leaders for the brand-new Junior Enlisted Association. When it’s their turn to take over, you can bet the ship will be in even greater hands than it is now (if that’s even possible). We’re not there yet, but trust me--we’re still holding it down out here.

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Golden Falcons Celebrate 60th Birthday

ailors assigned to the Golden Falcons of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 celebrated the squadron’s 60th birthday, March 12. The crew of more than 200 HSC-12 Sailors, embarked aboard Lincoln, gathered in the ship’s forecastle for the celebration. After opening remarks from Rear Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, and Cmdr. Anthony Roach, the Golden Falcons’ commanding officer, the crew enjoyed birthday cake and other desserts. Roach joined the squadron’s youngest Sailor, Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Recruit Jeremy Shadden, for the traditional Navy cake-cutting ceremony. “It was unexpected, but I’m happy to be part of the squadron, and it was a good experience to be part of the celebration,” said Shadden. Roach said the event provided HSC12 with the opportunity to recognize the

efforts of squadron Sailors and to enjoy each other’s company. “We have been working very hard, and we wanted to give the crew some well-deserved time to relax for all the successes,” he said. Roach said the celebration was also held to give the crew a chance to learn about the squadron’s history so they could take greater pride in their future achievements. “It was important, especially for the new Sailors in the squadron, to understand the history and productive changes the Golden Falcons have made,” he said. “That way, we can appreciate who we are and those who served in the past to motivate us for the future.” First established as Helicopter AntiSubmarine Squadron (HS) 2 in San Diego in 1952, HSC-12 is the oldest rotary-wing squadron in the Navy. They have brought their multimission capabilities to various operations such as the Vietnam War, the Navy’s Fleet Response Plan (FRP) and

Operation Unified Assistance. HSC-12 has been recognized for a host of awards over the years, including multiple Battle Efficiency and Battle Effectiveness awards, the Sikorsky Aircraft Excellence in Maintenance Award and the Arleigh Burke Trophy. “This organization holds an impressive history of accomplishments with a long list of excellences and awards,” said Shoemaker. “We can only thank them for their contributions to support the team of Carrier Air Wing 2 and wish them congratulations on a 60-year anniversary, well done.” In support of CSG 9, the Golden Falcons are the primary search and rescue platform for Lincoln-based flight operations, and they provide special operational forces in support of anti-surface warfare and logistics. Story by MC3 Jerine Lee Photos by MCSN Benjamin Liston

U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Benjamin Liston U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Zachary Welch

he commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, Vice Adm. Mark Fox, visited Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Gulf, March 19-20. During his visit, Fox met with leadership from Lincoln, embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9 and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9. He also toured the ship and spoke to Sailors during an all-hands call. Fox discussed numerous topics including Operation Enduring Freedom, the future of cyber warfare and the importance of the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. “We as a nation have interests all over the world,” Fox said. “The Strait of Hormuz, and this particular part of the world in general, are vital to the overall well-being of the global economy, and we are all interconnected.” He thanked the crew for all the long hours and months of work they have put in supporting the

mission and maintaining stability in the region. “I fully understand the nature and the challenges of the mission we’ve given to all of you,” he said. “You guys have been on a really tough schedule, but you’re all doing some incredibly important work. I appreciate it.” Fox acknowledged the professionalism of the men and women serving on the ship and throughout the strike group. “You are the role models of what our nation is all about,” he said. “You come together from all over different parts of our large country to serve and do something that is so much bigger than yourselves.” He concluded by thanking the crew for their service to the country and for their devotion to duty. “Thanks for your service,” he said. “It’s an honor to be aboard Abraham Lincoln. God bless you all, and thank you for what you’re doing.” Story by MC2 Jonathan Idle

“...you’re all doing some incredibly important work.

I appreciate it.”

~Vice Adm. Mark Fox

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U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Brian Morales

NAVCENT Commander Visits Lincoln

U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Zachary Welch

U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Benjamin Liston

U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Zachary Welch

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The Junior Enlisted Association A Self-Starting Initiative For Lincoln’s Up-and-Coming Leaders Story, photos and layout by MC3 Wade T. Oberlin

unior Lincoln Sailors, 3rd class petty officers and below, gathered in the ship’s forecastle to elect leaders for Abe’s first Junior Enlisted Association (JEA), March 1. These Sailors created the JEA as a means for junior personnel to build their confidence and their own leadership abilities by participating in and assisting with shipboard events such as ice cream socials and bingo calling as well as community relations projects ashore. Leadership positions filled by the voters include President (Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Christina Ray),

Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Christina Ray ~ President Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 3rd Class

Aileen Farley ~ Treasurer Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amanda Kilpatrick ~ Public Affairs Officer Vice President (Religious Programs Specialist Seaman Katrina Wright), Secretary (Interior Communications Specialist 3rd Class Michael McAndrew), Treasurer (Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 3rd Class Aileen Farley), Master at Arms (Aviation Support Equipment Technician Airman Andre Booker) and Public Affairs Officer (Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amanda Kilpatrick). Ray said the group would benefit the ship’s personnel by creating an optimistic network for up-andcoming Sailors to share ideas and build their abilities as leaders. “The association will give positive benefits to those who wish to acquire leadership skills early on instead of further down the line in their military careers, whether they are deciding to stay Navy or leave the service,” said Ray. “We are all about building better leaders from the beginning.” JEA membership is comprised of anyone who wants to join from ship’s company to embarked commands

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“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

John Quincy Adams and strike group staff. The organization intends to provide a new direction for younger Sailors to grow, offering them collaboration with positive people willing to seek constructive changes. The JEA, Ray said, aims to run on enthusiasm. “The happier you are, the better you work,” she said. “If you find yourself in an environment with other cheerful people, it gives you a sense of unity with what you are doing.”

Religious Programs Specialist Seaman

Katrina Wright ~ Vice President Interior Communications Specialist 3rd Class

Michael McAndrew ~ Secretary Aviation Support Equipment Technician Airman

Andre Booker ~ Master at Arms The goals of the JEA are: To promote personal and professional development of E-4s and below attached to, or embarked on Lincoln. To help the military and civilian communities in various ways through JEA-approved projects. To promote unit cohesion among junior enlisted Sailors by working together for events. To enhance camaraderie among E-4 and below personnel aboard Lincoln. Membership: Membership in the Abraham Lincoln JEA is open to all active duty junior enlisted Sailors assigned to Lincoln, to include all Carrier Air Wing 2, Destroyer Squadron 9 and Carrier Strike Group 9 Sailors.

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”

VOLUME 24 , ISSUE 10 7 Ralph Waldo Emerson

U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Chris Johnson

U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Joshua Walters

U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Zachary Welc

U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Tim D. Godbee

U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Brian Morales

U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Carlos Vazquez

U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Jonathan Idle

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U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Benjamin Liston

U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Jonathan Idle

U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Brian Morales

U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Benjamin Liston

U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Zachary Welch

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he Bounty Hunters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, deployed with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, received the 2011 Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) Rear Adm. C. Wade McClusky Award, March 8. The McClusky Award is one of five CNAF awards named after naval aviators who have exemplified the highest standards of naval science and are presented to carrier air wing squadrons in recognition of outstanding achievements and contributions to naval aviation. VFA-2 also earned the 2011 CNAF Pacific Battle Effectiveness (Battle “E”) award, Feb. 10, while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) aboard Lincoln, which put the squadron in the running for the McClusky award. The McClusky and Battle “E” were awarded to the Bounty Hunters for setting the highest standards of excellence as leaders in aircraft and aircrew combat readiness as well as tactical employment. “These awards acknowledge the remarkable efforts undertaken by every Sailor who served with us throughout the course of a very demanding year,” said Cmdr. John P. Greene, commanding officer of VFA-2. “Each department played a critical role in the overall success of the squadron, and every ‘bullet’ should be justifiably proud of their contributions. Our Sailors continue to do great things in 2012, and I am incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by such an exceptionally talented group of professionals.” The Bounty Hunters supported OEF in 2011 while deployed in the 5th fleet area of responsibility (AOR) by employing 4,500 pounds of ordnance and more than 1,500 rounds of 20 mm ammunition as well as flying 424 combat sorties for a combined 2,515 combat flight hours contributing to CVW 2’s 100 percent combat sortie completion rate. “All nominees for the awards were outstanding,” said Commander, Naval Air Forces Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers. “Our winners truly exemplify the vital importance of aviation to the sea services, and forge the way ahead for future generations of aviators.” VFA-2 is one of nine squadrons embarked aboard Lincoln as part of CVW 2. Story by Lt. Mitch Cole

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MOMSEN prepared support VBSS TEAM to

team of medical officers and hospital corpsmen assigned to the 8th Expeditionary Resuscitative Surgical System (ERSS), embarked aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92), are prepared, should the need to arise, to render medical assistance to members of visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team. ERSS teams are deployed aboard surface naval ships conducting counter-piracy missions which normally do not have a fully staffed emergency medical team. The team’s primary purpose is to provide any necessary life-saving surgery and quickly transport the patient to a higher level of care. “We are here to treat any severe injuries that might result during VBSS operations,” said Cmdr. Todd Parker, the emergency medicine physician. “We treat anything that compromises the patient’s ability to breathe or circulate blood throughout their body.” The ERSS is comprised of nine Sailors and split into three teams: expeditionary trauma team, expeditionary surgical team and expeditionary transport team. Even though the physician, surgeon, nurses and hospital corpsmen are divided into separate teams, they would act as one team during a real emergency situation.

Expeditionary Medical Team

“The unit is modeled after similar types of mobile trauma bays that are deployed with the Marines,” said Parker. “Ultimately, we operate as one team and back each other up.” In the event of an emergency, the team has built a temporary operating room aboard Momsen. After surgery has been completed by the expeditionary surgical team, the expeditionary transport team would then take charge to medically evacuate the patient to the nearest hospital or to a larger ship, such as an aircraft carrier equipped with more resources to treat the patient. “My primary mission is to be a transport nurse if we had to medically evacuate a patient,” said Lt. j.g. Thomas Gaffney, critical care nurse for the expeditionary transport team. “I keep the patient stable.” The team trains daily in various scenarios to maintain their medical qualifications and operational readiness. “As a Navy medical professional, you give Sailors fighting at the tip of the spear the peace of mind that if something happens to them, there’s going to be someone there to take care of them,” said Parker. Story by MC3 Carlos Vazquez

Photo and information provided by MC2 Jonathan Idle

Know Your Shipmate

ABF3 Lee Kerry Air Dept./V-4 Division

viation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) 3rd Class Lee Kerry refueled countless aircraft and worked in flight deck control, and now he supervises the quality and safety of the teams that refuel the same aircraft he spent years working on. The nearly five years Kerry has been aboard Lincoln have been a departure from his upbringing in Opelousas, La. The self-described “country boy” grew up riding horses and going mudding in his free time. Neither of those activities are available in the middle of the Arabian Sea, so now he relies on relaxing with shipmates as a way to unwind. “Sometimes, I just like to sit back and chill,” he said. “I like to read books, watch movies and hang out with friends. I like to make people laugh and have fun.” Physical fitness is also a big part of his life, whether in port or on deployment. “I go to the gym five times a week,” he said. “Back in Everett, I played a lot of sports like basketball and football. I like to stay in shape, and it keeps the stress level down.” Scheduled to transfer to Naval Air Station Oceana, Va. in June, Kerry plans to attend trade school while at his next duty station to become a proficient welder and diesel mechanic. Though he recently re-enlisted, he said he is still undecided whether or not he will make the Navy a career. The determining factor for him will be his daughter, who is due May 25. “I don’t mind making it a career, but at the same time, I want to be there to watch her grow up,” he said. “Family comes before career.”

Briefly Transition Assistance: ERB Affected Sailors Can Transfer GI Bill Benefits

Eligible Sailors separating due to the Enlisted Retention Board (ERB) may qualify to transfer their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to dependents. The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. Sailors must receive an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. “If you are selected for separation by the ERB and have ten years of qualifying service, before your separation date, you will be allowed to transfer your benefits to your eligible dependents,” said Paul Wilder, the Navy’s GI Bill program manager. Under the current Post 9/11 GI Bill policy, qualified Sailors may elect to transfer all or a portion of their benefits to a spouse or child. For transferability, Sailors must have served at least six years in the service and agree to serve an additional four years, in most cases. An exception to the additional fouryear service obligation is outlined in NAVADMIN 203/09 and states that Sailors who elect to transfer benefits must have served at least 10 years in the service. “ERB Sailors without ten years of qualifying service must affiliate with the Reserves and commit to serving four years as a drilling Reservist to transfer their benefits. There are no waivers for those who do not meet the ten year requirement.” More information on transferability can be viewed on the Post 9/11 GI Bill website at http://www.gibill.va.gov/ benefits/post_911_gibill/transfer_of_ benefits.html and Sailors can apply for transferability of benefits at https://www. dmdc.osd.mil/TEB. (source. www.navy.mil)

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